Alexander City Home Invasion Leads to Arrest of Young Suspect

There’s a moment where your hometown stops feeling safe—and for folks in Alexander City, that moment came on the morning of July 19.

Around 11:15 a.m., a quiet Saturday turned violent when law enforcement responded to a home on the 4000 block of Washington Street. Inside, they found 32-year-old Toyias Gopher fatally shot. The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation (ALEA SBI) was called in immediately. Within hours, 22-year-old Steven Abercrombie, also from Alexander City, was arrested and charged with capital murder.

That’s not just a headline. It’s a brutal reminder that home invasions don’t just happen “somewhere else.” They happen here. To people like Toyias. In neighborhoods we know.

What makes this story more unsettling is how fast it all unfolded—and how personal it feels. This wasn’t a random crime from a stranger passing through. Both the victim and the suspect were locals. Which raises a lot of questions. What led to this? Was there a motive? And how do we make sense of something so violent happening so close to home?

Timeline of the Crime: What Happened That Morning?

Let me walk you through how it all unfolded.

It was around 11:15 a.m. on Saturday, July 19, when the Alexander City Police Department made a request to bring in the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s State Bureau of Investigation. They knew this wasn’t just another disturbance call—this was serious.

When ALEA agents arrived at the home on the 4000 block of Washington Street, what they found was chilling. Inside, 32-year-old Toyias Gopher had been shot. He didn’t make it.

According to a report by ABC, the scene quickly turned from investigation to manhunt. Not long after, authorities zeroed in on a suspect: 22-year-old Steven Abercrombie, who was taken into custody that same day.

You can imagine how fast everything must have moved—from the first 911 call to an arrest all within hours. And in a town like Alexander City, this kind of response isn’t just rare—it’s unforgettable.

Who Was Toyias Gopher, the Victim?

Now let’s talk about Toyias Gopher—not just as a victim, but as a person.

He was 32. He lived right there in Alexander City. I don’t have every detail of his story yet—his job, his family, his friends—but what’s clear is that his life was cut short in his own home, where he should’ve been safest.

And here’s something I want you to think about: when headlines say “victim,” it often feels like a distant word. But Toyias could’ve been your neighbor. Your cousin. Someone you pass in the grocery store. That’s what makes this hit differently.

If you knew Toyias—or you’ve seen memorials or messages on social media—I’d encourage you to share them. Stories like his deserve more than a headline.

Sadly, this isn’t the first time a peaceful home has turned into a crime scene—a 73-year-old Illinois man was also held at gunpoint during a suburban home invasion, reminding us how vulnerable anyone can be.

The Arrest: What We Know About Steven Abercrombie

Let’s turn to the other name you’ve probably seen: Steven Abercrombie.

He’s just 22. Also from Alexander City. And now, he’s sitting in Tallapoosa County Jail, facing one of the most serious charges in Alabama law—capital murder.

Capital murder isn’t just murder. It means authorities believe the killing happened during the course of another felony—in this case, a home invasion. That bumps the charge up, and if convicted, Abercrombie could face life without parole or even the death penalty.

According to WBRC, law enforcement moved quickly to build the case. After collecting evidence and confirming details, they acted fast—booking him into jail the same day. No bond.

You may be asking yourself: what pushed this young man to this point? Was it planned? Was it personal? Those questions matter—and they’re exactly what investigators are now trying to answer.

In another recent case, a homeowner in New Rochelle was violently attacked and robbed of $75K during a similar break-in, raising concerns about how targeted some of these invasions might be.

What Was the Motive? What’s Still Missing?

Let’s be honest—this case leaves us with more questions than answers.

Why this home? Why this victim? And was it truly a random break-in, or was there something deeper?

So far, law enforcement hasn’t publicly released a motive. But you and I both know that home invasions rarely happen without some kind of reason—whether it’s drugs, money, or revenge.

There are whispers online about whether the victim and suspect knew each other. Nothing official yet—but if it turns out they did, it would shift how this whole case is understood.

And here’s the thing: most major news outlets won’t go this deep. They report the crime, give you the names, and move on. But for people living in Alexander City—or following this for real safety concerns—what’s missing is the “why.”

You deserve to know more than the surface. And I’ll be keeping an eye on what comes out of court filings, social media, and local reports to fill in those blanks.

Is Crime Really Rising in Alexander City?

You’re probably wondering—was this just a shocking one-off or is Alexander City seeing more violent crime lately?

Honestly, you’re not the only one asking that. When something like this happens close to home, it makes you rethink everything. “Are we safe?” “Is this becoming normal?”

If we look at the data, Alexander City has seen a few spikes in violent incidents over the last couple of years, but the numbers aren’t always consistent. According to past FBI Uniform Crime Reports for Tallapoosa County, the city’s violent crime rate has typically hovered around the state average. But home invasions specifically? They’re rare.

And that’s what makes this case even more alarming.

You and I both know that one violent break-in is enough to shake an entire block. If this becomes a trend, residents won’t just want answers—they’ll demand change.

If you’ve noticed anything unusual in your area—more patrols, neighborhood watches starting, or even just hushed conversations in stores—you’re seeing the impact already.

Some local updates, safety alerts, and community reports have even started circulating on WhatsApp lately—keeping residents informed faster than traditional channels.

How You Can Protect Your Home Right Now?

Let’s shift gears for a second. Because while this case plays out in court, you’re probably asking: What can I do to protect my home and my family?

Here’s what I’d recommend—things you can start doing today:

• Reinforce your entry points. Solid deadbolts and door reinforcements make a big difference.
• Invest in motion-detection lights. A well-lit yard is a burglar’s worst enemy.
• Install a basic security camera setup. Even budget-friendly systems can send instant alerts to your phone.
• Keep your neighborhood close. Get to know your neighbors. A tight-knit street is naturally more secure.
• Don’t overshare online. Believe it or not, posting vacation pics in real-time can make you a target.

Look—I’m not saying you need to turn your home into a fortress. But a few smart steps? That can give you peace of mind, especially after what just happened.

A similar case unfolded in Philadelphia, where a home invasion turned into a gunfire exchange, endangering an entire neighborhood.

Final Thoughts

I’ve told you what’s happening. Now, I want to hear from you.

Do you feel safe where you live right now?

Have you seen anything in your neighborhood that made you pause or double-check your doors at night?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below. Even if it’s just one line—what you say might help someone else feel seen, or even get them thinking about their own safety.

And if you know something about this case—if you were nearby, or you’ve heard things from people close to it—don’t hesitate to share. You never know what detail might matter.

Want to stay updated on home security and crime trends like this? Visit Build Like New’s Home Security section for more in-depth coverage and practical advice.

Disclaimer: The details shared in this article are based on publicly available sources and official reports as of the publication date. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. This content is for informational purposes only and not legal advice.